Adjustable magnetic snap fastener

ABSTRACT

An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting two pieces of material at any one of a number of possible positions. There are a number of stems attached to one plate and a number of magnets attached to another plate. Any one of the stems fits into a hole in any one of the magnets to connect the two sections of the fastener and hence the two pieces of material. Alternatively, there are a number of magnets attached to one plate and a number of magnets attached to another plate, oriented so that every one of the magnets on the first plate is attracted to every one of the magnets on the second plate.

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to adjustable magnetic snapfasteners.

[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0004] Magnetic snap fasteners have been used as closures for manyyears. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,722,126 and 5,933,926, issued to Reiter,entitled “Magnetic Snap Fasteners”, relate to magnetic snap fasteners ofdifferent configurations. These fasteners comprise a male and a femalesection which are magnetically coupled at a single position.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,453,294, issued to Morita, entitled “EngageableArticle Using Permanent Magnet”, as reexamined and confirmed underReexamination Certificate B1 4,453,294, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,021,891,also issued to Morita, entitled “Magnetic Lock Closure,” as reexaminedand confirmed under Reexamination Certificate B2 4,021,891, relate to amagnetic closure wherein a solid projection on a first half of theclosure engages a solid projection on a second half of the closure,which also contains a toroidal magnet. The Morita '294 and Morita '891patents essentially describe the same product. Further, British PatentSpecification No. 1,519,246, published Jul. 26, 1978, also discloses amagnetic closure. None of these patents for magnetic snap fastenersallow for multiple closed positions. Therefore, a user cannot maketighter or looser the article to which the fastener is attached.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide amagnetic snap fastener that has at least two of either or both of itsmale and female sections, or its positive and negative sections, whichwhen put into contact allow the fastener to be closed at more than oneposition.

[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide amagnetic snap fastener that allows an article to which it is attached,to be fastened more loosely or tightly.

[0008] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide amagnetic snap fastener which can be easily fabricated for sale at acommercially reasonable price.

[0009] To those ends, the instant invention relates to a fastener havingeither a plurality of female magnetic snap sections or a plurality ofmale magnetic snap sections so that the male and female sections of thefastener may be fastened at any one of a number of possible positions.Alternatively, the fastener has either a plurality of positive magneticsnap sections or a plurality of negative magnetic snap sections whichmay be fastened at any one of a number of possible positions. These typefasteners are readily adjustable.

[0010] These and other advantages will become apparent from the detaileddescription and drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable magnetic snapfastener in an open position attached to a shoe;

[0012]FIG. 1a is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of themagnetic snap fastener of the invention, having two female sections andtwo male sections, in open position;

[0013]FIG. 1b is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of themagnetic snap fastener of the invention, having two female sections andone male section-, in open position;

[0014]FIG. 1c is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of themagnetic snap fastener of the invention, having one female section andtwo male sections, in open position;

[0015]FIG. 1d is a cross-sectional view of one female section and onemale section of the instant invention;

[0016]FIGS. 2a and 2 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the magnetic ring of the first embodiment;

[0017]FIGS. 3a and 3 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the base washer of the first embodiment;

[0018]FIGS. 3c and 3 d are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the first and second base plates of the firstembodiment;

[0019]FIGS. 4a, 4 b, and 4 c, are side views and a plan view,respectively, of the legs of the first embodiment;

[0020]FIGS. 5a and 5 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the non-magnetic cover of the first embodiment;

[0021]FIGS. 6a and 6 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the tubular stem of the first embodiment;

[0022]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one female section and onemale section of another embodiment of the instant invention;

[0023]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of one male section of theembodiment of FIG. 7 attached to a piece of material;

[0024]FIGS. 9a and 9 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the magnetic ring of the embodiment of FIG. 7;

[0025]FIGS. 10a and 10 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the base washer of the embodiment of FIG. 7;

[0026]FIGS. 10c and 10 d are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the first and second base plates of the embodiment ofFIG. 7;

[0027]FIGS. 11a and 11 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the non-magnetic cover of the embodiment of FIG. 7;

[0028]FIGS. 12a and 12 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the tubular stems of the embodiment of FIG. 7;

[0029]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of one female section and onemale section of still another embodiment of the instant invention;

[0030]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of one male section of theembodiment of FIG. 13 attached to a piece of material;

[0031]FIGS. 15a and 15 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the magnetic ring of the embodiment of FIG. 13;

[0032]FIGS. 16a and 16 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the base washer of the embodiment of FIG. 13;

[0033]FIGS. 16c and 16 d are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the first and second base plates of the embodiment ofFIG. 13;

[0034]FIGS. 17a and 17 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the non-magnetic cover of the embodiment of FIG. 13;and

[0035]FIGS. 18a and 18 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the tubular stems of the embodiment of FIG. 13.

[0036]FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of one female section and onemale section of still another embodiment of the instant invention;

[0037]FIGS. 20a and 20 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the magnetic ring of the embodiment of FIG. 19;

[0038]FIGS. 21a and 21 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the base washer of the embodiment of FIG. 19;

[0039]FIGS. 21c and 21 d are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the first and second base plates of the embodiment ofFIG. 19;

[0040]FIGS. 22a and 22 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the non-magnetic cover of the embodiment of FIG. 19;

[0041]FIGS. 23a and 23 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the solid stems of the embodiment of FIG. 19;

[0042]FIG. 24a is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment ofthe instant invention, having two positive sections and two negativesections, in open position;

[0043]FIG. 24b is a cross-sectional view of one positive section and onenegative section of the embodiment of FIG. 24a;

[0044]FIGS. 25a and 25 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the magnetic rings of the embodiment of FIG. 24a;

[0045]FIGS. 26a and 26 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the base washers of the embodiment of FIG. 24a;

[0046]FIGS. 26c and 26 d are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the base plates of the embodiment of FIG. 24a;

[0047]FIGS. 27a and 27 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the non-magnetic covers of the embodiment of FIG. 24a;

[0048]FIGS. 28a and 28 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the tubular stems of the embodiment of FIG. 24a;

[0049]FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing an alternative version ofthe embodiment of FIG. 24a having supplemental tubular stems betweeneach of two positive sections and two negative sections.

[0050]FIG. 30a is a perspective view showing still another embodiment ofthe instant invention, having two female sections and two male sectionswith one cover plate encasing all female sections, in an open position;

[0051]FIG. 30b is a perspective view showing an alternative version ofthe embodiment of FIG. 30a having multiple female sections and one malesection;

[0052]FIG. 30c is a cross-sectional view of one female section and onemale section of the embodiment of FIG. 30a;

[0053]FIGS. 31a and 31 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the magnetic ring of the embodiment of FIG. 30a;

[0054]FIGS. 32a and 32 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the first and second base plates of the embodiment ofFIG. 30a;

[0055]FIGS. 33a, 33 b, and 33 c are side views and a plan view,respectively, of the legs of the embodiment of FIG. 30a;

[0056]FIGS. 34a and 34 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the non-magnetic cover of the embodiment of FIG. 30a;

[0057]FIGS. 35a and 35 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the tubular stems of the first embodiment;

[0058]FIG. 36a is a perspective view showing yet another embodiment ofthe instant invention, having multiple positive sections encased in onecover plate and multiple negative sections encased in a second coverplate, in an open position;

[0059]FIG. 36b is a cross-sectional view of one positive section and onenegative section of the embodiment of FIG. 36a;

[0060]FIGS. 37a and 37 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the magnetic rings of the embodiment of FIG. 36a;

[0061]FIGS. 38a and 38 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the base plates of the embodiment of FIG. 36a;

[0062]FIGS. 39a and 39 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the non-magnetic covers of the embodiment of FIG. 36a;

[0063]FIGS. 40a and 40 b are a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the tubular stems of the embodiment of FIG. 36a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0064]FIGS. 1 and 1a show one preferred embodiment of the invention inwhich a plurality of female sections 3 of an adjustable magnetic snapfastener 1 are attached to a first base plate 8 to form female fastener4, which is attached to a first piece of material 2 a, and a pluralityof male sections 5 of an adjustable magnetic snap fastener 1 areattached to a second base plate 21 to form male fastener 6, which isattached to a second piece of material 2 b. As shown in FIG. 1b, theinvention alternatively may have multiple female sections 3 and one malesection 5. As shown in FIG. 1c, in another alternative, the inventionmay comprise one female section 3 and multiple male sections 5. If morethan one of each of the female sections 3 and male sections 5 are used,the distance between each consecutive pair of female sections 3preferably is equal, and the distance between each consecutive pair ofmale sections 5 preferably is equal to the distance between each ofconsecutive pair of female sections 3.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 1d, one female section 3 and one male section 5of the first preferred embodiment of magnetic snap fastener 1 are shownseparated from one another. Each female section 3 and each male section5 is adapted so that any female section 3 and any male section 5 maymate so as to form a complete fastener.

[0066] Each female section 3 includes a base washer 7 with first side 7a, opposite facing second side 7 b and central hole 7 c. First baseplate 8 has a first side 8 a and a second side 8 b, and for each femalesection 3 attached to first base plate 8, there is a corresponding hole8 c through base plate 8 substantially axially aligned with central hole7 c of that particular female section 3. Tubular stem 9 is circular incross-section and in one embodiment has a central hole 9 c. Tubular stem9 also has a wide diameter section 9 a and a narrow diameter section 9 band is insertable into the hole 7 c in base washer 7 from base washerfirst side 7 a, and also is insertable into the corresponding hole 8 cin first base plate 8 from base plate first side 8 a. The distal end ofthe narrow diameter section 9 b is rolled over to affix first side 8 aof first base plate 8 adjacent to the second side 7 b of base washer 7,separated only by the width of continuous flange 15 d described below,and attachment legs 11 adjacent to second side 8 b of base plate 8.Desirably, the legs 11 are not rigidly secured so as to allow them to berotatable with respect to base washer 7. This allows coating solutionsto reach all surfaces thereby giving greater corrosion protection.

[0067] Magnetic ring 13 is held adjacent to first side 7 a of basewasher 7 by non-magnetic cover 15, which has a top 15 a and a side wall15 b. Flange 15 c helps contain magnetic ring 13 in place within thecover 15 and continuous flange 15 d holds the cover in place relative tobase washer 7. Desirably, continuous flange 15 d is used to hold thecover 15 in place, because it is more secure than if discrete prongs ortabs are used to form a peripheral flange. Non-magnetic cover 15 may bemade of brass to enhance the appearance of the fastener. Desirably also,flange 15 d is continuous about the periphery of cover 15 so that thecover is not easily removable and lies flat against the piece ofmaterial. Magnetic ring 13 is toroidal in shape and has a central hole13 a larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter section 9 aof tubular stem 9. Since tubular stem 9 and non-magnetic cover 15 havecentral holes 9 c and 15 e, respectively, they are substantially axiallyaligned with central hole 7 c of base washer 7 and corresponding hole 8c of first base plate 8.

[0068] Turning now to male sections 5 of magnetic snap fastener 1, it isseen that second tubular stem 19 connects second base plate 21 toattachment legs 23 in a manner similar to that used in connection witheach female section 3. Here again, in this embodiment, second tubularstem 19 has a central hole 19 a that is substantially axially alignedwith a corresponding hole 21 a of second base plate 21. The attachmentlegs 23 desirably are not rigidly secured so that they are rotatablewith respect to second base plate 21.

[0069] As is clear from FIGS. 1a through 1 d, second tubular stem 19 ofone male section 5 is insertable into hole 15 e of non-magnetic cover 15of one female section 3. Due to the force of the magnetic ring 13, themale section 5 and female section 3 snap together. Legs 11 and 23 may,of course, be attached to two respective pieces of material 2 a and 2 b.Thus, the two pieces of material 2 a and 2 b are attached when onefemale section 3 and one male section 5 are snapped together.

[0070]FIGS. 2a and 2 b show a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the magnetic ring 13. FIGS. 3a and 3 b show a top viewand a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base washer 7. FIGS. 3cand 3 d show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of boththe first and second base plates 8 and 21. FIGS. 4a, 4 b, and 4 c showside views and a plan view, respectively, of both the legs 11 and 23.FIGS. 5a and 5 b show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively,of the nonmagnetic cover 15. FIGS. 6a and 6 b show a top view and sidecut-away view, respectively, of both the tubular stems 9 and 19. It is aparticular feature of this embodiment of the invention that the legs andtubular stems are identical on both the female and male sections of thefastener. If the number of female sections is equal to the number ofmale sections, both base plates also are identical. This reduces thenumber of different parts needed to make a complete assembly. Theaxially aligned holes in the components may serve as a distinguishingfeature of products made in accordance with the invention.

[0071] It is important that each of the openings are in axial alignment.Thus, when a female section 3 and a male section 5 are magneticallyattached to one another, central holes 7 c, 9 c, 13 a, 15 e, and 19 a ofthe female section 3 and the male section 5, as well as correspondingholes 8 c and 21 a of base plates 8 and 21, form a straight path. Thispath should not be too large in diameter. For example, the diametershould be about 0.006 to 0.125 inch. However, the size of the hole iswithin the level of ordinary skill in the art.

[0072] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises afemale fastener and a male fastener that may be attached to pieces ofmaterial using rolled rivets instead of legs. Referring to FIG. 7, onefemale section 103 and one male section 105 of this preferred embodimentof magnetic snap fastener 101 are shown separated from one another. Eachfemale section 103 and each male section 105 is adapted so that anyfemale section 103 and any male section 105 may mate to form a completesnap fastener. Magnetic snap fastener 101 is a rolled rivet type offastener.

[0073] Each female section 103 includes a base washer 107 with firstside 107 a, opposite facing second side 107 b and central hole 107 c. Afirst base plate 108 has a first side 108 a and a second side 108 b, andfor each female section 103 attached to first base plate 108, there is acorresponding hole 108 c through base plate 108 substantially axiallyaligned with central hole 107 c of that particular female section 103.Tubular stem 109 is circular in cross section and has a wide diametersection 109 a, a medium diameter section 109 b, a narrow diametersection 109 c, and a central hole 109 d. Tubular stem 109 may beinserted into the central hole 107 c from base washer first side 107 aand into the corresponding hole 108 c in first base plate 108 from baseplate first side 108 a. The distal end of the narrow diameter section109 c extends outward from first base plate 108 to engage firstattachment washer 110, as shown more clearly in FIG. 8 and as discussedbelow. There are no legs in this embodiment to attach the sections ofthe fastener to pieces of material. Rather, the sections of the fastenerare attached by the rolled rivet connectors.

[0074] Magnetic ring 113 is held adjacent to first side 107 a of basewasher 107 by non-magnetic cover 115, which has a top 115 a and a sidewall 115 b. Flange 115 c helps contain magnetic ring 113 in place withinthe cover 115 and continuous flange 115 d holds the cover in placerelative to base washer 107. Magnetic ring 113 is toroidal in shape andhas a central hole 113 a larger than the outside diameter of the widediameter section 109 a of tubular stem 109. In this embodiment, tubularstem 109 and nonmagnetic cover 115 have central holes 109 d and 115 e,respectively, which are substantially axially aligned with hole 107 c ofbase washer 107 and corresponding hole 108 c of first base plate 108.

[0075] Turning now to male sections 105 of magnetic snap fastener 101 itis seen that second tubular stem 119, including wide section 119 a,medium section 119 b, and narrow section 119 c, is insertable through acorresponding hole 121 a of second base plate 121 in a manner similar tothat used in connection with each female section 103. Here again, inthis embodiment, second tubular stem 119 has a central hole 119 d thatis substantially axially aligned with corresponding hole 121 a of secondbase plate 121. Moreover, as described in connection with femalesections 103, the distal end of narrow diameter section 119 c extendsoutward from second base plate 121 to engage second attachment washer123, as shown more clearly in FIG. 8 and as discussed below.

[0076]FIG. 8 shows one male section 105 attached to a piece of material125 held between second base plate 121 and second attachment washer 123.As seen in FIG. 8, tubular stem 119 has section 119 e rolled over tohold attachment washer 123 in place. Each female section 103 is attachedto a piece of material in a similar manner. Thus, the mating of onefemale section 103 and one male section 105 results in attachment of thetwo pieces of material.

[0077]FIGS. 9a and 9 b show a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the magnetic ring 113. FIGS. 10a and 10 b show a topview and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base washer 107.FIGS. 10c and 10 d show a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of both the first and second base plates 108 and 121.FIGS. 11a and 11 b show a top view and side cut-away view, respectively,of the non-magnetic cover 115. FIGS. 12a and 12 b show a top view and aside cut-away view, respectively, of both the tubular stems 109 and 119.Once again, several of these components are identical on the male andfemale sides so as to provide for easy assembly and to reduce the costof the finished product.

[0078] Still another preferred embodiment of the present inventioncomprises female sections and male sections that may be attached topieces of material using Kwik-rivet connectors. Referring to FIG. 13,one female section 203 and one male section 205 of this preferredembodiment of magnetic snap fastener 201 are shown separated from oneanother. Each female section 203 and each male section 205 is designedso that any female section 203 and any male section 205 may unite toform a magnetic snap fastener of the Kwik-rivet style.

[0079] Each female section 201 includes a base washer 207 with firstside 207 a, oppositely facing second side 207 b, and central hole 207 c.First base plate 208 has a first side 208 a and a second side 208 b, andfor each female section 203 attached to first base plate 208, there is acorresponding hole 208 c through base plate 208 substantially axiallyaligned with central hole 207 c of that particular female section 203.Tubular stem 209, which is circular in cross-section and which has awide diameter section 209 a, a medium diameter section 209 b, and anarrow diameter section 209 c, is insertable into the central hole 207 cfrom base washer first side 207 a and into the corresponding hole 208 cin first base plate 208 from base plate first side 208 a. The distal endof the narrow diameter section 209 c extends outward from first baseplate 208 to engage first rivet cap 210, as shown more clearly in FIG.14 and as discussed below. There are no legs in this embodiment toattach the sections of the fastener to the pieces of material. Rather,the sections of the fastener are attached by the Kwik-rivet connectors.The rivet cap 210 may have a decorative surface or embossing.

[0080] Magnetic ring 213 is held adjacent to first side 207 a of firstbase washer 207 by non-magnetic cover 215, which has a top 215 a and aside wall 215 b. Flange 215 c helps contain magnetic ring 213 in placewithin the cover 215 and continuous flange 215 d holds the cover inplace relative to base washer 207. Magnetic ring 213 is toroidal inshape and has a central hole 213 a larger than the outside diameter ofthe wide diameter section 209 a of tubular stem 209. In this embodiment,tubular stem 209 and non-magnetic cover 215 have central holes 209 c and215 e, respectively, which are substantially axially aligned with hole207 c of base washer 207 and corresponding hole 208 c of first baseplate 208.

[0081] Turning now to male sections 205 of magnetic snap fastener 201,it is seen that second tubular stem 219, including wide section 219 a,medium section 219 b, and narrow section 219 c, is insertable through acorresponding hole 221 a of second base plate 221 in a manner similar tothat used in connection with each female section 203. Here again, inthis embodiment, second tubular stem 219 has a central hole 219 d thatis substantially axially aligned with central hole 221 a of second baseplate 221. Moreover, as described in connection with female sections203, the distal end of narrow diameter section 219 c extends outwardfrom second base plate 221 to engage second rivet cap 223, as shown moreclearly in FIG. 14 and as discussed below.

[0082]FIG. 14 shows one male section 205 attached to a piece of material225 held between second base plate 221 and second rivet cap 223. As seenin FIGS. 13 and 14, tubular stem 219 has a collapsible bump that isdeformed by attachment of the second rivet cap 223 to cause the distalend of the tubular stem 219 to lock to the inside to the inside of thesecond rivet cap 223 to hold material 225. Each female section 203 isattached to a piece of material in a similar manner.

[0083]FIGS. 15a and 15 b show a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the magnetic ring 213. FIGS. 16a and 16 b show a topview and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base washer 207.FIGS. 16c and 16 d show a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of both the first and second base plates 208 and 221.FIGS. 17a and 17 b show a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the non-magnetic cover 215. FIGS. 18a and 18 b show atop view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of both the tubularstems 209 and 219. Several of these components are identical on the maleand female sides for the reasons previously discussed.

[0084] In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention,each male section and each female section comprises solid stems insteadof tubular stems. Although not shown, the stems may also be partiallyhollow. Referring to FIG. 19, one female section 303 and one malesection 305 of this preferred embodiment of magnetic snap fastener 301are shown separated from one another. Each female section 303 and eachmale section 305 is adapted so that any female section 303 and any malesection 305 may mate to form a complete snap fastener.

[0085] Each female section 303 includes a base washer 307 with firstside 307 a, opposite facing second side 307 b and central hole 307 c. Afirst base plate 308 has a first side 308 a and a second side 308 b, andfor each female section 303 attached to first base plate 308, there is acorresponding hole 308 c through base plate 308 substantially axiallyaligned with central hole 307 c of that particular female section 303.Solid stem 309 is circular in cross section and has a wide diametersection 309 a and a narrow diameter section 309 b. Solid stem 309 may beinserted into the central hole 307 c from base washer first side 307 aand into the corresponding hole 308 c in first base plate 308 from baseplate first side 308 a. The distal end of the narrow diameter section309 b is flattened to widen the portion of narrow diameter section 309 bthat protrudes from second side 308 b of first base washer 308 andthereby-affix first side 308 a of first base plate 308 adjacent to thesecond side 307 b of base washer 307, separated only by the width ofcontinuous flange 315 d described below, and attachment legs 311adjacent to second side 308 b of base plate 308. Desirably, the legs 311are not rigidly secured with respect to base washer 307.

[0086] Magnetic ring 313 is held adjacent to first side 307 a of basewasher 307 by non-magnetic cover 315, which has a top 315 a and a sidewall 315 b. Flange 315 c helps contain magnetic ring 313 in place withinthe cover 315 and continuous flange 315 d holds the cover in placerelative to base washer 307. Magnetic ring 313 is toroidal in shape andhas a central hole 313 a larger than the outside diameter of the widediameter section 309 a of solid stem 309. Solid stem 309 issubstantially axially aligned with central hole 315 e of non-magneticcover 315, hole 307 c of base washer 307 and corresponding hole 308 c offirst base plate 308.

[0087] Turning now to male sections 305 of magnetic snap fastener 301,it is seen that second solid stem 319, including wide section 319 a andnarrow section 319 b, connects second base plate 321 to attachment legs323 in a manner similar to that used in connection with each femalesection 303. Here again, second solid stem 319 is substantially axiallyaligned with corresponding hole 321 a of second base plate 321. Theattachment legs 323 desirably are not rigidly secured.

[0088]FIGS. 20a and 20 b show a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the magnetic ring 313. FIGS. 21a and 21 b show a topview and a side cut-away view, respectively, of the base washer 307.FIGS. 21c and 21 d show a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of both the first and second base plates 308 and 321.FIGS. 22a and 22 b show a top view and side cut-away view, respectively,of the non-magnetic cover 315. FIGS. 23a and 23 b show a top view and aside cut-away view, respectively, of both the solid stems 309 and 319.Once again, several of these components are identical on the male andfemale sides so as to provide for easy assembly and to reduce the costof the finished product. This embodiment of the invention alternativelymay comprise either type of attachment means employed in connection withthe embodiments described above, e.g., rolled rivets or Kwik-rivetconnectors, instead of legs, to attach the fastener to pieces ofmaterial.

[0089] Yet another preferred embodiment of the present inventioncomprises a positive fastener and a negative fastener, each of whichcomprises one or more magnetic sections. FIG. 24a is a perspectivedrawing of one positive fastener 404 comprising multiple positivemagnetic sections 403, and one negative fastener 406 comprising multiplenegative magnetic sections 405. Alternatively, the invention comprisesmultiple positive magnetic sections and one negative magnetic section,or multiple negative magnetic sections and one positive magneticsection. If more than one of each of the positive magnetic sections 403and negative magnetic sections 405 are used, the distance between eachconsecutive pair of positive sections 403 preferably is equal, and thedistance between each consecutive pair of negative sections 405preferably is equal to the distance between each of consecutive pair ofpositive sections 403.

[0090]FIG. 24b shows one positive magnetic section 403 and one negativemagnetic section 405 of this preferred embodiment of magnetic snapfastener 401. Each positive section 403 is attracted to each negativesection 405.

[0091] Each positive section 403 includes a first base washer 407 withfirst side 407 a, opposite facing second side 407 b and central hole 407c. First base plate 408 has a first side 408 a and a second side 408 b,and for each positive section 403 attached to first base plate 408,there is a corresponding hole 408 c through base plate 408 substantiallyaxially aligned with central hole 407 c of that particular positivesection 403. First tubular stem 409 is circular in cross-section and hasa central hole 409 c. Tubular stem 409 may be solid, hollow or partiallyhollow. Tubular stem 409 also has a wide diameter section 409 a and anarrow diameter section 409 b and is insertable into the hole 407 c infirst base washer 407 from base washer first side 407 a, and also isinsertable into the corresponding hole 408 c in first base plate 408from base plate first side 408 a. The distal end of the narrow diametersection 409 b is rolled over to affix first side 408 a of first baseplate 408 adjacent to the second side 407 b of first base washer 407,separated only by the width of continuous flange 415 d described below,and attachment legs 411 adjacent to second side 408 b of first baseplate 408. Desirably, the legs 411 are not rigidly secured.

[0092] First magnetic ring 413 is toroidal in shape and has a centralhole 413 a larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter section409 a of first tubular stem 409. First magnetic ring 413 has positivelycharged side 413 b and negatively charged side 413 c. Negatively chargedside 413 c of magnetic ring 413 is held adjacent to first side 407 a offirst base washer 407 by first non-magnetic cover 415, which has a top415 a and a side wall 415 b. Flange 415 c helps contain first magneticring 413 in place within the cover 415 and continuous flange 415 d holdsthe cover in place relative to first base washer 407. Since firsttubular stem 409 and first non-magnetic cover 415 have central holes 409c and 415 e, respectively, they are substantially axially aligned withcentral hole 407 c of first base washer 407 and corresponding hole 408 cof first base plate 408.

[0093] Each negative section 405 includes a second base washer 417 withfirst side 417 a, opposite facing second side 417 b and central hole 417c. Second base plate 418 has a first side 418 a and a second side 418 b,and for each negative section 405 attached to second base plate 418,there is a corresponding hole 418 c through base plate 418 substantiallyaxially aligned with central hole 417 c of that particular negativesection 405. Second tubular stem 419 is circular in cross-section andhas a central hole 419 c. Of course, tubular stem 419 may be solid,hollow or partially hollow. Tubular stem 419 also has a wide diametersection 419 a and a narrow diameter section 419 b and is insertable intothe hole 417 c in second base washer 417 from base washer first side 417a, and also is insertable into the corresponding hole 418 c in secondbase plate 418 from base plate first side 418 a. The distal end of thenarrow diameter section 419 b is rolled over to affix first side 418 aof second base plate 418 adjacent to the second side 417 b of secondbase washer 417, separated only by the width of continuous flange 425 ddescribed below, and attachment legs 421 adjacent to second side 418 bof second base plate 418. The legs 421 desirably are not rigidly securedto second base washer 417.

[0094] Second magnetic ring 423 is toroidal in shape and has a centralhole 423 a larger than the outside diameter of the wide diameter section419 a of second tubular stem 419. Second magnetic ring 423 haspositively charged side 423 b and negatively charged side 423 c.Positively charged side 423 b of magnetic ring 423 is held adjacent tofirst side 417 a of second base washer 417 by second non-magnetic cover425, which has a top 425 a and a side wall 425 b. Flange 425 c helpscontain second magnetic ring 423 in place within the cover 425 andcontinuous flange 425 d holds the cover in place relative to second basewasher 417. Since second tubular stem 419 and second non-magnetic cover425 have central holes 419 c and 425 e, respectively, they aresubstantially axially aligned with central hole 417 c of second basewasher 417 and corresponding hole 418 c of second base plate 418.

[0095] The only difference between each positive magnetic section 403and each negative magnetic section 405 is the orientation of themagnetic rings 413 and 423. Therefore, when positive fastener 404 isbrought into close proximity with negative fastener 406, the positivelycharged side 413 b of one or more magnetic sections 403 is magneticallyattracted to the negatively charged side 423 c of one or more magneticsections 405, and positive fastener 404 and negative fastener 406 thusare joined. The fasteners may be joined at any position at which the top415 a of at least one first non-magnetic cover 415 is in full contactwith the top 425 a of at least one second non-magnetic cover 425. Ofcourse, the terms positive and negative are relative, as the faces ofthe magnets have opposite polarity.

[0096] Legs 411 and 421 may, of course, be attached to two respectivepieces of material 402 a and 402 b. Thus, the two pieces of material 402a and 402 b are attached when one positive section 403 and one negativesection 405 are joined.

[0097]FIGS. 25a and 25 b show a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of magnetic rings 413 and 423. FIGS. 26a and 26 b show atop view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of base washers 407 and417. FIGS. 26c and 26 d show a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of base plates 408 and 418. FIGS. 27a and 27 b show a topview and a side cut-away view, respectively, of non-magnetic covers 415and 425. FIGS. 28a and 28 b show a top view and side cut-away view,respectively, of tubular stems 409 and 419.

[0098] It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the inventionthat all parts, except in some instances the base plates 408 and 418,are identical on both the positive and negative magnetic sections of thefastener. If the number of female sections is equal to the number ofmale sections, both base plates also are identical. This reduces thenumber of different parts needed to make a complete assembly.

[0099]FIG. 29 shows an alternative version of this embodiment of theinvention. Supplemental tubular stems may be added between one or moreadjacent pairs of positive magnetic sections or negative magneticsections. In FIG. 29, positive fastener 454 contains one supplementaltubular stem 459 between adjacent positive magnetic sections 453, andnegative fastener 456 contains one supplemental tubular stem 460 betweenadjacent magnetic sections 455.

[0100] Other than the addition of the supplemental tubular stems 459 and460, positive fastener 454 is identical to positive fastener 404, andnegative fastener 456 is identical to negative fastener 406.Supplemental tubular stems 459 and 460 are identical to tubular stems409 and 419 and are attached to base plates 458 and 468 in the samemanner that tubular stems 409 and 419 are attached to base plates 408and 418, respectively. Supplemental tubular stems 459 and 460 may besolid, hollow or partially hollow. The attractive magnetic force betweenany positive magnetic section 453 and any supplemental tubular stem 460of negative fastener 456, as well as the attractive magnetic forcebetween any negative magnetic section 455 and any supplemental tubularstem 459 of positive fastener 454, allows positive fastener 454 andnegative fastener 456 to be joined at intermediary positions, i.e.,halfway between the centers of magnetic rings.

[0101] These embodiments of the invention, with or without thesupplemental tubular stems, alternatively may comprise any of theattachment means described above, e.g., rolled rivets or Kwik-rivetconnectors, instead of legs to attach the fastener to pieces ofmaterial.

[0102] In still another preferred embodiment of the present invention,again comprising female and male fasteners, instead of each femalemagnetic snap section having its own non-magnetic cover, onenon-magnetic cover encases the entire female fastener.

[0103]FIG. 30a shows one version of this embodiment of the invention, inwhich a plurality of female sections 503 of an adjustable magnetic snapfastener 501 are attached to a first base plate 507 and covered by anon-magnetic cover 515 to form female fastener 504, which is attached toa first piece of material 502 a, and a plurality of male sections 505 ofan adjustable magnetic snap fastener 501 are attached to a second baseplate 521 to form male fastener 506, which is attached to a second pieceof material 502 b. As shown in FIG. 30b, the invention alternatively mayhave multiple female sections 503 and one male section 505. The distancebetween each consecutive pair of female sections 503 preferably isequal, and the distance between each consecutive pair of male sections505 preferably is equal to the distance between each pair of femalesections 503.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 30c, one female section 503 and one malesection 505 of this preferred embodiment of magnetic snap fastener 501are shown separated from one another. Each female section 503 and eachmale section 505 is adapted so that any female section 503 and any malesection 505 may mate so as to form a complete fastener.

[0105] Each female section 503 is attached to a base plate 507 havingfirst side 507 a, opposite facing second side 507 b and a plurality ofcentral holes 507 c, the number of which is equal to the number offemale sections 503. Each female section 503 has a tubular stem 509,which is circular in cross-section and in one embodiment has a centralhole 509 c. Each tubular stem 509 also has a wide diameter section 509 aand a narrow diameter section 509 b and is insertable into correspondinghole 507 c in base plate 507 from base plate first side 507 a. Thedistal end of the narrow diameter section 509 b is rolled over to affixattachment legs 511 adjacent to second side 507 b of base plate 507.Desirably, the legs 511 are not rigidly secured so as to allow them tobe rotatable with respect to base plate 507.

[0106] Each magnetic ring 513 of female fastener 504 is held adjacent tofirst side 507 a of base plate 507 by non-magnetic cover 515, which hasa top 515 a and a side wall 515 b. A plurality of flanges 515 c, equalto the number of female sections 503, help contain magnetic rings 513 inplace within the cover 515. Each flange 515 c defines a central hole 515e. Continuous flange 15 d holds the cover in place relative to baseplate 507. Desirably, continuous flange 515 d is used to hold the cover515 in place, because it is more secure than if discrete prongs or tabsare used to form a peripheral flange. Desirably also, flange 515 d iscontinuous about the periphery of cover 515 so that the cover is noteasily removable and lies flat against the piece of material. Magneticring 513 is toroidal in shape and has a central hole 513 a larger thanthe outside diameter of the wide diameter section 509 a of tubular stem509. Central holes 509 c and 515 e of each tubular stem 509 and ofnon-magnetic cover 515, respectively, are substantially axially alignedwith a corresponding hole 507 c of first base plate 507.

[0107] Turning now to male sections 505 of magnetic snap fastener 501,it is seen that second tubular stem 519 connects second base plate 521to attachment legs 523 in a manner similar to that used in connectionwith each female section 503. Here again, in this embodiment, secondtubular stem 519 has a central hole 519 a that is substantially axiallyaligned with a corresponding hole 521 a of second base plate 521. Theattachment legs 523 desirably are not rigidly secured so that they arerotatable with respect to second base plate 521.

[0108] As is clear from FIGS. 30a through 30 c, second tubular stem 519of one male section 505 is insertable into one hole 515 e ofnon-magnetic cover 515 corresponding to one female section 503. Due tothe force of the magnetic ring 513, the male section 505 and femalesection 503 snap together. Legs 511 and 523 may, of course, be attachedto two respective pieces of material 502 a and 502 b. Thus, the twopieces of material 502 a and 502 b are attached when one female section503 and one male section 505 are snapped together.

[0109]FIGS. 31a and 31 b show a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of the magnetic ring 13. FIGS. 32a and 32 b show a topview and a side cut-away view, respectively, of both the first andsecond base plates 507 and 521. FIGS. 33a, 33 b, and 33 c show sideviews and a plan view, respectively, of both the legs 511 and 523. FIGS.34a and 34 b show a top view and a side cut-away view, respectively, ofthe non-magnetic cover 515. FIGS. 35a and 35 b show a top view and sidecut-away view, respectively, of both the tubular stems 509 and 519.Again, the legs and tubular stems are identical on both the female andmale sections of the fastener. If the number of female sections is equalto the number of male sections, both base plates also are identical.This reduces the number of different parts needed to make a completeassembly. The axially aligned holes in the components may serve as adistinguishing feature of products made in accordance with theinvention.

[0110] Also as with other embodiments of the invention, each of theopenings are in axial alignment. Thus, when a female section 503 and amale section 505 are magnetically attached to one another, central holes509 c, 513 a, 515 e, and 519 a of the female section 503 and the malesection 505, as well as corresponding holes 507 c and 521 a of baseplates 507 and 521, form a straight path.

[0111] This embodiment of the invention alternatively may comprise anyof the attachment means described above, e.g., rolled rivets orKwik-rivet connectors, instead of legs to attach the fastener to piecesof material. Furthermore, the tubular stems may be replaced by solidstems.

[0112] Yet another preferred embodiment of the present inventioncomprises a positive fastener and a negative fastener, each of whichcomprises one or more magnetic sections; all of the positive magneticsections are encased in one non-magnetic cover and all of the negativemagnetic sections are encased in a second non-magnetic cover. FIG. 36ais a perspective drawing of one positive fastener 604 comprisingmultiple positive magnetic sections 603, and one negative fastener 606comprising multiple negative magnetic sections 605. Alternatively, theinvention comprises multiple positive magnetic sections and one negativemagnetic section, or multiple negative magnetic sections and onepositive magnetic section. If more than one of each of the positivemagnetic sections 603 and negative magnetic sections 605 are used, thedistance between each consecutive pair of positive sections 603preferably is equal, and the distance between each consecutive pair ofnegative sections 605 preferably is equal to the distance between eachof consecutive pair of positive sections 603.

[0113]FIG. 36b shows one positive magnetic section 603 and one negativemagnetic section 605 of this preferred embodiment of magnetic snapfastener 601. Each positive section 603 is attracted to each negativesection 605.

[0114] Each positive section 603 is attached to a first base plate 607having first side 607 a, opposite facing second side 607 b and aplurality of central holes 607 c, the number of which is equal to thenumber of positive sections 603. Each positive section 603 has a firsttubular stem 609, which is circular in cross-section and has a centralhole 609 c. Tubular stems 609 may be solid, hollow or partially hollow.Each tubular stem 609 also has a wide diameter section 609 a and anarrow diameter section 609 b and is insertable into corresponding hole607 c in first base plate 607 from base plate first side 607 a. Thedistal end of the narrow diameter section 609 b is rolled over to affixattachment legs 611 adjacent to second side 607 b of first base plate607. Desirably, the legs 611 are not rigidly secured.

[0115] Each positive section 603 also has a first magnetic ring 613,which is toroidal in shape and has a central hole 613 a larger than theoutside diameter of the wide diameter section 609 a of correspondingfirst tubular stem 609. Each first magnetic ring 613 has positivelycharged side 613 b and negatively charged side 613 c. Negatively chargedside 613 c of magnetic ring 613 is held adjacent to first side 607 a offirst base plate 607 by first non-magnetic cover 615, which has a top615 a and a side wall 615 b. A plurality of flanges 615 c, equal to thenumber of positive sections 603, help contain first magnetic rings 613in place within the cover 615. Each flange 615 c defines a central hole615 e. Continuous flange 615 d holds the cover in place relative tofirst base plate 607. Central holes 609 c and 615 e of each tubular stem609 and of non-magnetic cover 615, respectively, are substantiallyaxially aligned with a corresponding hole 607 c of first base plate 607.

[0116] Each negative section 605 is attached to a second base plate 617having first side 617 a, opposite facing second side 617 b and aplurality of central holes 617 c, the number of which is equal to thenumber of negative sections 605. Each negative section 605 has a secondtubular stem 619, which is circular in cross-section and has a centralhole 619 c. Of course, tubular stems 619 may be solid, hollow orpartially hollow. Each tubular stem 619 also has a wide diameter section619 a and a narrow diameter section 619 b and is insertable intocorresponding hole 617 c in second base plate 617 from base plate firstside 617 a. The distal end of the narrow diameter section 619 b isrolled over to affix attachment legs 621 adjacent to second side 617 bof second base plate 617. The legs 621 desirably are not rigidly securedto second base plate 617.

[0117] Each negative section 605 also has a second magnetic ring 623,which is toroidal in shape and has a central hole 623 a larger than theoutside diameter of the wide diameter section 619 a of correspondingsecond tubular stem 619. Each second magnetic ring 623 has positivelycharged side 623 b and negatively charged side 623 c. Positively chargedside 623 b of magnetic ring 623 is held adjacent to first side 617 a ofsecond base plate 617 by second non-magnetic cover 625, which has a top625 a and a side wall 625 b. A plurality of flanges 625 c, equal to thenumber of negative sections 605, help contain second magnetic rings 623in place within the cover 625. Each flange 625 c defines a central hole625 e. Continuous flange 625 d holds the cover in place relative tosecond base plate 617. Central holes 619 c and 625 e of each secondtubular stem 619 and of second non-magnetic cover 625, respectively, aresubstantially axially aligned with a corresponding hole 617 c of secondbase plate 617.

[0118] The only difference between each positive magnetic section 603and each negative magnetic section 605 is the orientation of themagnetic rings 613 and 623. Therefore, when positive fastener 604 isbrought into close proximity with negative fastener 606, the positivelycharged side 613 b of one or more magnetic sections 603 is magneticallyattracted to the negatively charged side 623 c of one or more magneticsections 605, and positive fastener 604 and negative fastener 606 thusare joined of course, the terms positive and negative are relative, asthe faces of the magnets have opposite polarity.

[0119] Legs 611 and 621 may, of course, be attached to two respectivepieces of material 602 a and 602 b. Thus, the two pieces of material 602a and 602 b are attached when one positive section 603 and one negativesection 605 are joined.

[0120]FIGS. 37a and 37 b show a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of magnetic rings 613 and 623. FIGS. 38a and 38 b show atop view and a side cut-away view, respectively, of base plates 607 and617. FIGS. 39a and 39 b show a top view and a side cut-away view,respectively, of non-magnetic covers 615 and 625. FIGS. 40a and 40 bshow a top view and side cut-away view, respectively, of tubular stems609 and 619.

[0121] It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the inventionthat all parts, except in some instances the base plates 607 and 617 andnon-magnetic covers 615 and 625, are identical on both the positive andnegative magnetic sections of the fastener. If the number of femalesections is equal to the number of male sections, both base plates andboth non-magnetic covers also are identical. This reduces the number ofdifferent parts needed to make a complete assembly.

[0122] This embodiment of the invention also may comprise supplementaltubular stems between one or more adjacent pairs of positive magneticsections or negative magnetic sections, as described above. Furthermore,this embodiment alternatively may comprise any of the attachment meansdescribed above, e.g., rolled rivets or Kwik-rivet connectors, insteadof legs to attach the fastener to pieces of material.

[0123] The invention has practical utility in adjustably fasteningpieces of material such as straps for golf shoes, children's shoes,shoes for the elderly, bags, and the like.

[0124] The fasteners of the invention are easily finished such as bycoating processes. In the embodiments having a hole through the rivet orstem of each male and female section, the closures may be threaded on awire and rapidly processed. Additionally, when tubular stems are used,the fasteners may be easily assembled using automatic positioningdevices because each part has a hole therethrough. For example, aninfrared light source such as a laser alignment beam may be used todirect light through the holes to align the closures when they are beingassembled in the manufacturing process, improving the quality of theparts, speeding assembly, and reducing cost. The axially aligned centralholes do not substantially detract from the magnetic attractive forceprovided by the magnetic ring. However, to the extent the magneticattractive force is reduced by the holes in the rivets or stems, amagnet of greater strength, such as a Neodymium-Iron-Boron magnet, maybe used.

[0125] Although the present invention is described by reference toparticular embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of theinvention may become apparent to those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is onlylimited by the appended claims. For example, instead of being attachedto a base plate, each female section may be separately attached to thepiece of material to be fastened, in which case the base plate simply isremoved from the female fastener, and if legs are used to attach thefemale apparatus to the material, each pair of legs is attached directlyto the base washer of one female section. Likewise, each male sectionmay be separately attached to a piece of material, in which case thebase plate is replaced by individual base washers in each male section,which may be identical to those used in each female section. Also,instead of the base plates being visible when the female fastener and/ormale fastener are attached to the material, they may be embedded betweentwo layers of the material so that only the non-magnetic covers of thefemale sections and the tubular stems of the male sections are visible.Furthermore, the tubular or solid stems may be replaced by hollow stemsthat are open at one end, that is, they are partially hollow but notsolid. Also, the non-magnetic covers may be held in place relative tothe base washers or base plates by discrete prongs or tabs instead ofcontinuous flanges. Moreover, not every male and female or positive andnegative section must have attachment means such as legs or rivets toattach the fasteners to pieces of material; instead, as few as oneattachment means is required on each fastener portion. In addition, themale and female portions may be square or another shape and need not becircular as shown. Therefore, the embodiments shown and described areonly illustrative, not restrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener forreleasably connecting a first surface and a second surface, comprising:a plurality of female magnetic snap sections, at least one of whichcomprises a first attachment means adapted for attachment to the firstsurface, and a plurality of male magnetic snap sections, at least one ofwhich comprises a second attachment means adapted for attachment to thesecond surface, wherein any one of said female magnetic snap sections isconnectible with any one of said male magnetic snap sections to attachthe first and second surfaces.
 2. The adjustable magnetic snap fastenerof claim 1, further comprising: a first base plate having a first sideand a second side, wherein each female magnetic snap section ispositioned adjacent to the first side of the first base plate and eachfirst attachment means is connected to the second side of the first baseplate, and a second base plate having a first side and a second side,wherein each male magnetic snap section is positioned adjacent to thefirst side of the second base plate and each second attachment means isconnected to the second side of the second base plate.
 3. The adjustablemagnetic snap fastener of claim 2, wherein the first base plate definesa plurality of first base plate holes and the second base plate definesa plurality of second base plate holes, each female magnetic snapsection further comprising a first stem extending through acorresponding one of the first base plate holes, and each male magneticsnap section further comprising a second stem extending through acorresponding one of the second base plate holes.
 4. The adjustablemagnetic snap fastener of claim 3, wherein each first attachment meanscomprises a first pair of legs, and each second attachment meanscomprises a second pair of legs.
 5. The adjustable magnetic snapfastener of claim 4, wherein each first pair of legs is mounted to thesecond side of the first base plate by the first stem of one of saidfemale magnetic snap sections, and each second pair of legs is mountedto the second side of the second base plate by the second stem of one ofsaid male magnetic snap sections.
 6. The adjustable magnetic snapfastener of claim 3, wherein each first attachment means comprises afirst attachment washer connectible to the first stem of one of saidfemale magnetic snap sections, whereby the first surface is held betweenthe first attachment washer and the second side of the first base plate,and each second attachment means comprises a second attachment washerconnectible to the second stem of one of said male magnetic snapsections, whereby the second surface is held between the secondattachment washer and the second side of the second base plate.
 7. Theadjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 3, wherein each firstattachment means comprises a first rivet cap connectible to acollapsible section of the first stem of one of said female magneticsnap sections, whereby the first surface is held between the first rivetcap and the second side of the first base plate, and each secondattachment means comprises a second rivet cap connectible to acollapsible section of the second stem of one of said male magnetic snapsections, whereby the second surface is held between the second rivetcap and the second base plate.
 8. An adjustable magnetic snap fastenerfor releasably connecting a first surface and a second surface,comprising: a plurality of female magnetic snap sections, at least oneof which comprises a first attachment means adapted for attachment tothe first surface, and a male magnetic snap section comprising a secondattachment means adapted for attachment to the second surface, whereinany one of said female magnetic snap sections is connectible with saidmale magnetic snap section to attach the first and second surfaces. 9.The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 8, further comprising afirst base plate having a first side and a second side, wherein eachfemale magnetic snap section is positioned adjacent to the first side ofthe first base plate and each first attachment means is connected to thesecond side of the first base plate.
 10. The adjustable magnetic snapfastener of claim 9, wherein the first base plate defines a plurality offirst base plate holes, and each female magnetic snap section furthercomprises a first stem extending through a corresponding one of thefirst base plate holes.
 11. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener forreleasably connecting a first surface and a second surface, comprising:a female magnetic snap section comprising a first attachment meansadapted for attachment to the first surface, and a plurality of malemagnetic snap sections, at least one of which comprises a secondattachment means adapted for attachment to the second surface, whereinsaid female magnetic snap section is connectible with any one of saidmale magnetic snap sections to attach the first and second surfaces. 12.The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 11, further comprising asecond base plate having a first side and a second side, wherein eachmale magnetic snap section is positioned adjacent to the first side ofthe second base plate and each second attachment means is connected tothe second side of the second base plate.
 13. The adjustable magneticsnap fastener of claim 12, wherein the second base plate defines aplurality of second base plate holes, and each male magnetic snapsection further comprises a second stem extending through acorresponding one of the second base plate holes.
 14. An adjustablemagnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting a first surface and asecond surface, comprising: (a) a plurality of female sections, eachfemale section having a first base washer defining a first holesubstantially in the center of the first base washer; a magnetic ringdefining a second hole substantially in the center of the magnetic ring;a non-magnetic cover plate defining a third hole substantially in thecenter of the cover plate and having a peripheral flange, the coverplate being mounted to the first base washer by the peripheral flangewhereby the magnetic ring is held between the first base washer and thecover plate and whereby the first, second, and third holes aresubstantially axially aligned; and a first stem extending through thefirst and second holes; (b) a plurality of male sections, each malesection having a second base washer defining a fourth hole substantiallyin the center of the second base washer; and a second stem extendingthrough the fourth hole; (c) wherein at least one of the plurality offemale sections has a first attachment means connected to the first basewasher of said female section by the first stem of said female sectionand adapted for attachment to the first surface, and at least one of theplurality of male sections has a second attachment means connected tothe second base washer of said male section by the second stem of saidmale section and adapted for attachment to the second surface; (d)wherein at least one of the plurality of female sections is attached tothe first surface and all of the female sections are arranged insubstantially a straight line, and at least one of the plurality of malesections is attached to the second surface and all of the male sectionsare arranged in substantially a straight line; and (e) whereby insertionof the second stem of one of the plurality of male sections into atleast the second and third holes of one of the plurality of femalesections creates a magnetic force which releasably connects said onefemale section and said one male section and hence the first and secondsurfaces attached to the first and second attachment means,respectively.
 15. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 14,wherein each first attachment means comprises a first pair of legs, andeach second attachment means comprises a second pair of legs.
 16. Theadjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 15, wherein each first pairof legs is mounted to the first base washer of one of said femalesections by the first stem of that female section, and each second pairof legs is mounted to the second base washer of one of said malesections by the second stem of that male section.
 17. The adjustablemagnetic snap fastener of claim 14, wherein each first attachment meanscomprises a first attachment washer connectible to the first stem of oneof said female sections, whereby the first surface is held between thefirst attachment washer and the first base washer of that femalesection, and each second attachment means comprises a second attachmentwasher connectible to the second stem of one of said male sections,whereby the second surface is held between the second attachment washerand the second base washer of that male section.
 18. The adjustablemagnetic snap fastener of claim 14, wherein each first attachment meanscomprises a first rivet cap connectible to a collapsible section of thefirst stem of one of said female sections, whereby the first surface isheld between the first rivet cap and the first base washer of thatfemale section, and each second attachment means comprises a secondrivet cap connectible to a collapsible section of the second stem of oneof said male sections, whereby the second surface is held between thesecond rivet cap and the second base washer of that male section. 19.The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 14, further comprising: afirst base plate having a first side and a second side, wherein theperipheral flange of each female section engages the first side of thefirst base plate and each first attachment means is connected to thesecond side of the first base plate, and a second base plate having afirst side and a second side, wherein the peripheral flange of each malesection engages the first side of the second base plate and each secondattachment means is connected to the second side of the second baseplate.
 20. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 19, whereinthe first base plate defines a plurality of first plate holes wherebythe first stem of each female section extends through a correspondingone of the plurality of first plate holes and the first, second, andthird holes of each female section are substantially axially alignedwith the corresponding first plate hole, and the second base platedefines a plurality of second plate holes whereby the second stem ofeach male section extends through a corresponding one of the pluralityof second plate holes and the fourth hole of each male section issubstantially axially aligned with the corresponding second plate hole.21. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 19, wherein the firststem of at least one of the plurality of female sections has a firststem hole substantially in the center thereof and the second stem of atleast one of the plurality of male sections has a second stem holesubstantially in the center thereof.
 22. An adjustable magnetic snapfastener for releasably connecting a first surface and a second surface,comprising: (a) a plurality of female sections, each female sectioncomprising a magnetic ring defining a first hole substantially in thecenter of the magnetic ring and a first stem extending through the firsthole; (b) a first base plate having a first side and a second side anddefining a plurality of first base plate holes, wherein the magneticring of each female section engages the first side of the first baseplate and the first stem of each female section extends through one ofthe plurality of first base plate holes; (c) a non-magnetic cover platedefining a plurality of cover plate holes and having a peripheralflange, the cover plate being mounted to the first base plate by theperipheral flange whereby each of the magnetic rings is held between thefirst base plate and the cover plate and whereby the first hole and thefirst stem of each female section are substantially axially aligned witha corresponding first base plate hole and a corresponding cover platehole; (d) a plurality of male sections, each male section comprising asecond stem; (e) a second base plate having a first side and a secondside and defining a plurality of second base plate holes, wherein thesecond stem of each male section extends through one of the plurality ofsecond base plate holes; (f) wherein at least one of the plurality offemale sections has a first attachment means connected to the first baseplate by the first stem of said female section and adapted forattachment to the first surface, and at least one of the plurality ofmale sections has a second attachment means connected to the second baseplate by the second stem of said male section and adapted for attachmentto the second surface; (g) wherein the first base plate is attached tothe first surface by at least one first attachment means, and the secondbase plate is attached to the second surface by at least one of thesecond attachment means; and (h) whereby insertion of the second stem ofone of the plurality of male sections into at least the first hole ofone of the plurality of female sections creates a magnetic force whichreleasably connects said one female section and said one male sectionand hence the first and second surfaces attached to the first and secondattachment means, respectively.
 23. The adjustable magnetic snapfastener of claim 22, wherein each first attachment means comprises afirst pair of legs, and each second attachment means comprises a secondpair of legs.
 24. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 23,wherein each first pair of legs is mounted to the first base plate bythe first stem of one of said female sections, and each second pair oflegs is mounted to the second base plate by the second stem of one ofsaid male sections.
 25. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim22, wherein each first attachment means comprises a first attachmentwasher connectible to the first stem of one of said female sections,whereby the first surface is held between the first attachment washerand the first base plate, and each second attachment means comprises asecond attachment washer connectible to the second stem of one of saidmale sections, whereby the second surface is held between the secondattachment washer and the second base plate.
 26. The adjustable magneticsnap fastener of claim 22, wherein each first attachment means comprisesa first rivet cap connectible to a collapsible section of the first stemof one of said female sections, whereby the first surface is heldbetween the first rivet cap and the first base plate, and each secondattachment means comprises a second rivet cap connectible to acollapsible section of the second stem of one of said male sections,whereby the second surface is held between the second rivet cap and thesecond base plate.
 27. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim22, wherein the first stem of at least one of the plurality of femalesections has a first stem hole substantially in the center thereof andthe second stem of at least one of the plurality of male sections has asecond stem hole substantially in the center thereof.
 28. An adjustablemagnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting a first surface and asecond surface, comprising: (a) a plurality of female sections, eachfemale section having a first base washer defining a first holesubstantially in the center of the first base washer; a magnetic ringdefining a second hole substantially in the center of the magnetic ring;a non-magnetic cover plate defining a third hole substantially in thecenter of the cover plate and having a peripheral flange, the coverplate being mounted to the first base washer by the peripheral flangewhereby the magnetic ring is held between the first base washer and thecover plate and whereby the first, second, and third holes aresubstantially axially aligned; and a first stem extending through thefirst and second holes; (b) a male section having a second base washerdefining a fourth hole substantially in the center of the second basewasher; and a second stem extending through the fourth hole; (c) whereinat least one of the plurality of female sections has a first attachmentmeans connected to the first base washer of said female section by thefirst stem of said female section and adapted for attachment to thefirst surface, and the male section has a second attachment meansconnected to the second base washer by the second stem and adapted forattachment to the second surface; (d) wherein at least one of theplurality of female sections is attached to the first surface, and themale section is attached to the second surface; and (e) wherebyinsertion of the second stem of the male section into at least thesecond and third holes of one of the plurality of female sectionscreates a magnetic force which releasably connects said one femalesection and said male section and hence the first and second surfacesattached to the first and second attachment means, respectively.
 29. Theadjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 28, further comprising afirst base plate having a first side and a second side, wherein theperipheral flange of each female section is positioned adjacent to thefirst side of the first base plate and each first attachment means isconnected to the second side of the first base plate.
 30. The adjustablemagnetic snap fastener of claim 29, wherein the first base plate definesa plurality of first plate holes whereby the first stem of each femalesection extends through a corresponding one of the plurality of firstplate holes and the first, second, and third holes of each femalesection are substantially axially aligned with the corresponding firstplate hole.
 31. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasablyconnecting a first surface and a second surface, comprising: (a) aplurality of female sections, each female section having a magnetic ringdefining a first hole substantially in the center of the magnetic ringand a first stem extending through the first hole; (b) a base platehaving a first side and a second side and defining a plurality of baseplate holes, wherein the magnetic ring of each female section engagesthe first side of the base plate and the first stem of each femalesection extends through one of the plurality of base plate holes; (c) anon-magnetic cover plate defining a plurality of cover plate holes andhaving a peripheral flange, the cover plate being mounted to the baseplate by the peripheral flange whereby each of the magnetic rings isheld between the base plate and the cover plate and whereby the firsthole and the first stem of each female section are substantially axiallyaligned with a corresponding base plate hole and a corresponding coverplate hole; (d) a male section comprising a base washer defining asecond hole substantially in the center of the base washer and a secondstem extending through the second hole; (e) wherein at least one of theplurality of female sections has a first attachment means connected tothe base plate by the first stem of said female section and adapted forattachment to the first surface, and the male section has a secondattachment means connected to the base washer by the second stem andadapted for attachment to the second surface; (f) wherein the base plateis attached to the first surface by at least one first attachment means,and the base washer is attached to the second surface by the secondattachment means; and (g) whereby insertion of the second stem of themale section into at least the first hole of one of the plurality offemale sections creates a magnetic force which releasably connects saidone female section and said male section and hence the first and secondsurfaces attached to the first and second attachment means,respectively.
 32. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasablyconnecting a first surface and a second surface, comprising: (a) afemale section having a first base washer defining a first holesubstantially in the center of the first base washer; a magnetic ringdefining a second hole substantially in the center of the magnetic ring;a non-magnetic cover plate defining a third hole substantially in thecenter of the cover plate and having a peripheral flange, the coverplate being mounted to the first base washer by the peripheral flangewhereby the magnetic ring is held between the first base washer and thecover plate and whereby the first, second, and third holes aresubstantially axially aligned; and a first stem extending through thefirst and second holes; (b) a male portion comprising a base platedefining a plurality of holes; and a plurality of male sections, eachmale section comprising a second stem extending through a correspondingone of the plurality of base plate holes; (c) wherein the female sectionhas a first attachment means connected to the first base washer by thefirst stem and adapted for attachment to the first surface, and at leastone of the plurality of male sections has a second attachment meansconnected to the base plate by the second stem of said male section andadapted for attachment to the second surface; (d) wherein the femalesection is attached to the first surface, and at least one of theplurality of male sections is attached to the second surface; and (e)whereby insertion of the second stem of one of the plurality of the malesections into at least the second and third holes of the female sectioncreates a magnetic force which releasably connects said female sectionand said one male section and hence the first and second surfacesattached to the first and second attachment means, respectively.
 33. Afemale portion of an adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasablyconnecting a first surface to which the female portion of the adjustablemagnetic snap fastener is attached and a second surface to which a malesection of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener is attached, comprisinga plurality of female sections, each female section comprising: a basewasher defining a first hole substantially in the center of the basewasher; a magnetic ring defining a second hole substantially in thecenter of the magnetic ring; a non-magnetic cover plate defining a thirdhole substantially in the center of the cover plate and having aperipheral flange, the cover plate being mounted to the base washer bythe peripheral flange whereby the magnetic ring is held between the basewasher and the cover plate and whereby the first, second, and thirdholes are substantially axially aligned; and a stem extending throughthe first and second holes; wherein at least one of the plurality offemale sections has an attachment means affixed to the base washer ofthat female section by the stem of that female section and adapted forattachment to the first surface; wherein at least one of the pluralityof female sections is attached to the first surface and all of thefemale sections are arranged in substantially a straight line; andwhereby insertion of the male section of the adjustable magnetic snapfastener into at least the second and third holes of one of theplurality of female sections creates a magnetic force which releasablyconnects said one female section and said male section and hence thefirst surface attached to the attachment means of the female portion ofthe adjustable magnetic snap fastener and the second surface attached tothe male section of the magnetic snap fastener.
 34. The female portionof the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 33, wherein eachattachment means comprises a pair of legs.
 35. The female portion of theadjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 34, wherein each pair of legsis mounted to the base washer of one of said female sections by the stemof that female section.
 36. The female portion of the adjustablemagnetic snap fastener of claim 33, wherein each attachment meanscomprises an attachment washer connectible to the stem of one of saidfemale sections, whereby the first surface is held between theattachment washer and the base washer of that female section.
 37. Thefemale portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 33,wherein each attachment means comprises a rivet cap connectible to acollapsible section of the stem of one of said female sections, wherebythe first surface is held between the rivet cap and the base washer ofthat female section.
 38. The female portion of the adjustable magneticsnap fastener of claim 33, further comprising a base plate having afirst side and a second side, wherein the peripheral flange of eachfemale section is positioned adjacent to the first side of the baseplate and each attachment means is connected to the second side of thebase plate.
 39. The female portion of the adjustable magnetic snapfastener of claim 38, wherein the base plate defines a plurality ofplate holes whereby the stem of each female section extends through acorresponding one of the plurality of plate holes and the first, second,and third holes of each female section are substantially axially alignedwith the corresponding plate hole.
 40. The female portion of theadjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 38, wherein the stem of atleast one of the plurality of female sections has a stem holesubstantially in the center thereof.
 41. A female portion of anadjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting a firstsurface to which the female portion of the adjustable magnetic snapfastener is attached and a second surface to which a male section of theadjustable magnetic snap fastener is attached, comprising: (a) aplurality of female sections, each female section comprising a magneticring defining a first hole substantially in the center of the magneticring and a stem extending through the first hole; (b) a base platehaving a first side and a second side and defining a plurality of baseplate holes, wherein the magnetic ring of each female section engagesthe first side of the base plate and the stem of each female sectionextends through one of the plurality of base plate holes; (c) anon-magnetic cover plate defining a plurality of cover plate holes andhaving a peripheral flange, the cover plate being mounted to the baseplate by the peripheral flange whereby each of the magnetic rings isheld between the base plate and the cover plate and whereby the firsthole and the stem of each female section are substantially axiallyaligned with a corresponding base plate hole and a corresponding coverplate hole; (d) wherein at least one of the plurality of female sectionshas an attachment means connected to the base plate by the stem of saidfemale section and adapted for attachment to the first surface; (e)wherein the first base plate is attached to the first surface by atleast one of the attachment means; and (f) whereby insertion of the malesection of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener into at least the firsthole of one of the plurality of female sections creates a magnetic forcewhich releasably connects said one female section and said male sectionand hence the first surface attached to the attachment means of thefemale portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener and the secondsurface attached to the male section of the magnetic snap fastener. 42.The female portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 41,wherein each attachment means comprises a pair of legs.
 43. The femaleportion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 42, whereineach pair of legs is mounted to the base plate by the stem of one ofsaid female sections.
 44. The female portion of the adjustable magneticsnap fastener of claim 41, wherein each attachment means comprises anattachment washer connectible to the stem of one of said femalesections, whereby the first surface is held between the attachmentwasher and the base plate.
 45. The female portion of the adjustablemagnetic snap fastener of claim 41, wherein each attachment meanscomprises a rivet cap connectible to a collapsible section of the stemof one of said female sections, whereby the first surface is heldbetween the rivet cap and the base plate.
 46. The female portion of theadjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 41, wherein the stem of atleast one of the plurality of female sections has a stem holesubstantially in the center thereof.
 47. A male portion of an adjustablemagnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting a first surface towhich the male portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener isattached and a second surface to which a female section of the magneticsnap fastener is attached, comprising: a base plate defining a pluralityof plate holes; and a plurality of male sections, each male sectioncomprising a stem extending through a corresponding one of the pluralityof plate holes; wherein at least one of the plurality of male sectionshas an attachment means connected to the base plate by the stem of thatmale section and adapted for attachment to the second surface; whereinthe male portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener is attached tothe first surface by the attachment means; and whereby bringing the stemof one of the plurality of male sections into contact with the femalesection of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener creates a magneticforce which releasably connects said one male section and said femalesection and hence the first surface attached to the attachment means ofthe male portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener and the secondsurface attached to the female section of the adjustable magnetic snapfastener.
 48. The male portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastenerof claim 47, wherein each attachment means comprises a pair of legs. 49.The male portion of the adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 48,wherein each pair of legs is mounted to the base plate by the stem ofone of said male sections.
 50. The male portion of the adjustablemagnetic snap fastener of claim 47, wherein each attachment meanscomprises an attachment washer connectible to the stem of one of saidmale sections, whereby the first surface is held between the attachmentwasher and the base plate.
 51. The male portion of the adjustablemagnetic snap fastener of claim 47, wherein each attachment meanscomprises a rivet cap connectible to a collapsible section of the stemof one of said male sections, whereby the first surface is held betweenthe rivet cap and the base plate.
 52. The male portion of the adjustablemagnetic snap fastener of claim 47, wherein the stem of at least one ofthe plurality of male sections has a stem hole substantially in thecenter thereof.
 53. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasablyconnecting a first surface and a second surface, comprising: (a) aplurality of positive magnetic snap sections, each positive magneticsnap section having a first snap face adapted to be connectible with anegative magnetic snap section; and a first magnet having a positiveside and a negative side, said positive side facing the same directionas the first snap face; (b) a plurality of negative magnetic snapsections, each negative magnetic snap section having a second snap faceadapted to be connectible with a positive magnetic snap section; and asecond magnet having a positive side and a negative side, said negativeside facing the same direction as the second snap face; (c) wherein atleast one of the plurality of positive magnetic snap sections has afirst attachment means adapted for attachment to the first surface, andat least one of the plurality of negative magnetic snap sections has asecond attachment means adapted for attachment to the second surface;and (d) wherein any one of said positive magnetic snap sections isattracted to and connectable with any one of said negative magnetic snapsections to attach the first and second surfaces.
 54. The adjustablemagnetic snap fastener of claim 53, further comprising: a first baseplate having a first side and a second side, wherein each positivemagnetic snap section is positioned adjacent to the first side of thefirst base plate and each first attachment means is connected to thesecond side of the first base plate, and a second base plate having afirst side and a second side, wherein each negative magnetic snapsection is positioned adjacent to the first side of the second baseplate and each second attachment means is connected to the second sideof the second base plate.
 55. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener ofclaim 54, wherein the first base plate defines a plurality of first baseplate holes and the second base plate defines a plurality of second baseplate holes, each positive magnetic snap section further comprising afirst stem extending through a corresponding one of the first base plateholes, and each negative magnetic snap section further comprising asecond stem extending through a corresponding one of the second baseplate holes.
 56. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 55,wherein each first attachment means comprises a first pair of legs, andeach second attachment means comprises a second pair of legs.
 57. Theadjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 56, wherein each first pairof legs is mounted to the second side of the first base plate by thefirst stem of one of said positive magnetic snap sections, and eachsecond pair of legs is mounted to the second side of the second baseplate by the second stem of one of said negative magnetic snap sections.58. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 55, wherein eachfirst attachment means comprises a first attachment washer connectibleto the first stem of one of said positive magnetic snap sections,whereby the first surface is held between the first attachment washerand the second side of the first base plate, and each second attachmentmeans comprises a second attachment washer connectible to the secondstem of one of said negative magnetic snap sections, whereby the secondsurface is held between the second attachment washer and the second sideof the second base plate.
 59. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener ofclaim 55, wherein each first attachment means comprises a first rivetcap connectible to a collapsible section of the first stem of one ofsaid positive magnetic snap sections, whereby the first surface is heldbetween the first rivet cap and the second side of the first base plate,and each second attachment means comprises a second rivet capconnectible to a collapsible section of the second stem of one of saidnegative magnetic snap sections, whereby the second surface is heldbetween the second rivet cap and the second base plate.
 60. Anadjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting a firstsurface and a second surface, comprising: (a) a plurality of firstmagnetic snap sections, each first magnetic snap section having a firstsnap face adapted to be connectible with a second magnetic snap section;and a first magnet having a first charged side and a second,oppositely-charged side, said first magnet positioned with respect tothe first snap face so that the first charged side of said first magnetattracts oppositely-charged objects toward the first snap face; (b) asecond magnetic snap section comprising a second snap face adapted to beconnectible with a first magnetic snap section; and a second magnethaving a first charged side and a second, oppositely-charged side, thefirst charged side of the second magnet having the same magnetic chargeas the first charged side of the first magnet and the second chargedside of the second magnet having the same magnetic charge as the secondcharged side of the first magnet, said second magnet positioned withrespect to the second snap face so that the second charged side of saidsecond magnet attracts oppositely-charged objects toward the second snapface; (c) wherein at least one of the plurality of first magnetic snapsections has a first attachment means adapted for attachment to thefirst surface, and the second magnetic snap section has a secondattachment means adapted for attachment to the second surface; and (d)wherein any one of said first magnetic snap sections is attracted to andconnectible with the second magnetic snap section to attach the firstand second surfaces.
 61. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim60, further comprising a first base plate having a first side and asecond side, wherein each first magnetic snap section is positionedadjacent to the first side of the first base plate and each firstattachment means is connected to the second side of the first baseplate.
 62. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 61, whereinthe first base plate defines a plurality of first base plate holes, andeach first magnetic snap section further comprises a first stemextending through a corresponding one of the first base plate holes. 63.An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting a firstsurface and a second surface, comprising: (a) a plurality of positivemagnetic snap sections, each positive section having a first base washerdefining a first hole substantially in the center of the first basewasher; a first magnetic ring defining a second hole substantially inthe center of the first magnetic ring, the first magnetic ring having apositive side and a negative side; a first non-magnetic cover platehaving a first snap face adapted to be connectible with a negativemagnetic snap section, the first cover plate defining a third holesubstantially in the center of the first cover plate and having a firstperipheral flange, the first cover plate being mounted to the first basewasher by the first peripheral flange whereby the first magnetic ring isheld between the first base washer and the first cover plate and ispositioned so that the positive side of the first magnetic ring attractsnegatively charged objects toward the first snap face and whereby thefirst, second, and third holes are substantially axially aligned; and afirst stem extending through the first and second holes and endingwithin the third hole; (b) a plurality of negative magnetic snapsections, each negative section having a second base washer defining afourth hole substantially in the center of the second base washer; asecond magnetic ring defining a fifth hole substantially in the centerof the second magnetic ring, the second magnetic ring having a positiveside and a negative side; a second non-magnetic cover plate having asecond snap face adapted to be connectible with a positive magnetic snapsection, the second cover plate defining a sixth hole substantially inthe center of the second cover plate and having a second peripheralflange, the second cover plate being mounted to the second base washerby the second peripheral flange whereby the second magnetic ring is heldbetween the second base washer and the second cover plate and ispositioned so that the negative side of the second magnetic ringattracts positively charged objects toward the second snap face andwhereby the fourth, fifth, and sixth holes are substantially axiallyaligned; and a second stem extending through the fourth and fifth holesand ending within the sixth hole; (c) wherein at least one of theplurality of positive magnetic snap sections has a first attachmentmeans connected to the first base washer of said positive section by thefirst stem of said positive section and adapted for attachment to thefirst surface, and at least one of the plurality of negative sectionshas a second attachment means connected to the second base washer ofsaid negative section by the second stem of said negative section andadapted for attachment to the second surface; (d) wherein at least oneof the plurality of positive sections is attached to the first surfaceand all of the positive sections are arranged in substantially astraight line, and at least one of the plurality of negative sections isattached to the second surface and all of the negative sections arearranged in substantially a straight line; and (e) whereby bringing thefirst snap face of one of the plurality of positive sections intocontact with the second snap face of one of the plurality of negativesections creates a magnetic force which releasably connects said onepositive section and said one negative section and hence the first andsecond surfaces attached to the first and second attachment means,respectively.
 64. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 63,wherein each first attachment means comprises a first pair of legs, andeach second attachment means comprises a second pair of legs.
 65. Theadjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 64, wherein each first pairof legs is mounted to the first base washer of one of said positivesections by the first stem of that positive section, and each secondpair of legs is mounted to the second base washer of one of saidnegative sections by the second stem of that negative section.
 66. Theadjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 63, wherein each firstattachment means comprises a first attachment washer connectible to thefirst stem of one of said positive sections, whereby the first surfaceis held between the first attachment washer and the first base washer ofthat positive section, and each second attachment means comprises asecond attachment washer connectible to the second stem of one of saidnegative sections, whereby the second surface is held between the secondattachment washer and the second base washer of that negative section.67. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 63, wherein eachfirst attachment means comprises a first rivet cap connectible to acollapsible section of the first stem of one of said positive sections,whereby the first surface is held between the first rivet cap and thefirst base washer of that positive section, and each second attachmentmeans comprises a second rivet cap connectible to a collapsible sectionof the second stem of one of said negative sections, whereby the secondsurface is held between the second rivet cap and the second base washerof that negative section.
 68. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener ofclaim 63, further comprising a first base plate having a first side anda second side, wherein the first peripheral flange of each positivesection is positioned adjacent to the first side of the first base plateand each first attachment means is connected to the second side of thefirst base plate.
 69. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 68,wherein the first base plate defines a plurality of first plate holeswhereby the first stem of each positive section extends through acorresponding one of the plurality of first plate holes and the first,second, and third holes of each positive section are substantiallyaxially aligned with the corresponding first plate hole.
 70. Theadjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 69, further comprising atleast one supplemental stem, said supplemental stem being locatedequidistant between a pair of positive magnetic snap sections, saidsupplemental stem extending through a corresponding supplemental stemhole in the first base plate and attached to the second side of thefirst base plate, whereby bringing said supplemental stem into contactwith the second snap face of one of the plurality of negative sectionscreates a magnetic force which releasably connects said supplementalstem and said one negative section and hence the first and secondsurfaces attached to the first and second attachment means,respectively.
 71. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 68,wherein the first stem of at least one of the plurality of positivesections has a first stem hole substantially in the center thereof andthe second stem of at least one of the plurality of negative sectionshas a second stem hole substantially in the center thereof.
 72. Theadjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 63, further comprising asecond base plate having a first side and a second side, wherein thesecond peripheral flange of each negative section is positioned adjacentto the first side of the second base plate and each second attachmentmeans is connected to the second side of the second base plate.
 73. Theadjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 72, wherein the second baseplate defines a plurality of second plate holes whereby the second stemof each negative section extends through a corresponding one of theplurality of second plate holes and the fourth, fifth, and sixth holesof each negative section are substantially axially aligned with thecorresponding second plate hole.
 74. The adjustable magnetic snapfastener of claim 73, further comprising at least one supplemental stem,said supplemental stem being located equidistant between a pair ofnegative magnetic snap sections, said supplemental stem extendingthrough a corresponding supplemental stem hole in the second base plateand attached to the second side of the second base plate, wherebybringing said supplemental stem into contact with the first snap face ofone of the plurality of positive sections creates a magnetic force whichreleasably connects said supplemental stem and said one positive sectionand hence the second and first surfaces attached to the first and secondattachment means, respectively.
 75. The adjustable magnetic snapfastener of claim 72, wherein the first stem of at least one of theplurality of positive sections has a first stem hole substantially inthe center thereof and the second stem of at least one of the pluralityof negative sections has a second stem hole substantially in the centerthereof.
 76. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasablyconnecting a first surface and a second surface, comprising: (a) aplurality of positive magnetic snap sections, each positive sectionhaving a first magnetic ring having a positive side and a negative sideand defining a first hole substantially in the center of the firstmagnetic ring, and a first stem extending through the first hole; (b) afirst base plate having a first side and a second side and defining aplurality of first base plate holes, wherein the negative side of themagnetic ring of each positive magnetic snap section engages the firstside of the first base plate and the first stem of each positivemagnetic snap section extends through one of the plurality of first baseplate holes; (c) a first non-magnetic cover plate having a first snapface adapted to be connectible with a negatively charged magnetic snapsection, the first cover plate defining a plurality of first cover plateholes and having a first peripheral flange, the first cover plate beingmounted to the first base plate by the first peripheral flange wherebyeach of the first magnetic rings is held between the first base plateand the first cover plate and is positioned so that the positive side ofthe first magnetic ring attracts negatively charged objects toward thefirst snap face and whereby the first hole and the first stem of eachpositive magnetic snap section are substantially axially aligned with acorresponding first base plate hole and a corresponding first coverplate hole; (d) a plurality of negative magnetic snap sections, eachnegative section having a second magnetic ring having a positive sideand a negative side and defining a second hole substantially in thecenter of the second magnetic ring, and a second stem extending throughthe second hole; (e) a second base plate having a first side and asecond side and defining a plurality of second base plate holes, whereinthe positive side of the magnetic ring of each negative magnetic snapsection engages the first side of the second base plate and the secondstem of each negative magnetic snap section extends through one of theplurality of second base plate holes; (f) a second non-magnetic coverplate having a second snap face adapted to be connectible with apositively charged magnetic snap section, the second cover platedefining a plurality of second cover plate holes and having a secondperipheral flange, the second cover plate being mounted to the secondbase plate by the second peripheral flange whereby each of the secondmagnetic rings is held between the second base plate and the secondcover plate and is positioned so that the negative side of the firstmagnetic ring attracts positively charged objects toward the second snapface and whereby the second hole and the second stem of each negativemagnetic snap section are substantially axially aligned with acorresponding second base plate hole and a corresponding second coverplate hole; (g) wherein at least one of the plurality of positivemagnetic snap sections has a first attachment means connected to thefirst base plate by the first stem of said positive section and adaptedfor attachment to the first surface, and at least one of the pluralityof negative sections has a second attachment means connected to thesecond base plate by the second stem of said negative section andadapted for attachment to the second surface; (h) wherein the first baseplate is attached to the first surface by at least one first attachmentmeans, and the second base plate is attached to the second surface by atleast one second attachment means; and (i) whereby bringing the firstsnap face into contact with the second snap face so that any one of thepositive sections and any one of the negative sections are substantiallyaligned creates a magnetic force which releasably connects said firstsnap face and said second snap face and hence the first and secondsurfaces attached to the first and second attachment means,respectively.
 77. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 76,wherein each first attachment means comprises a first pair of legs, andeach second attachment means comprises a second pair of legs.
 78. Theadjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 77, wherein each first pairof legs is mounted to the first base plate by the first stem of one ofsaid positive sections, and each second pair of legs is mounted to thesecond base plate by the second stem of one of said negative sections.79. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 76, wherein eachfirst attachment means comprises a first attachment washer connectibleto the first stem of one of said positive sections, whereby the firstsurface is held between the first attachment washer and the first baseplate, and each second attachment means comprises a second attachmentwasher connectible to the second stem of one of said negative sections,whereby the second surface is held between the second attachment washerand the second base plate.
 80. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener ofclaim 76, wherein each first attachment means comprises a first rivetcap connectible to a collapsible section of the first stem of one ofsaid positive sections, whereby the first surface is held between thefirst rivet cap and the first base plate, and each second attachmentmeans comprises a second rivet cap connectible to a collapsible sectionof the second stem of one of said negative sections, whereby the secondsurface is held between the second rivet cap and the second base plate.81. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 76, furthercomprising at least one first supplemental stem, said first supplementalstem being located equidistant between a pair of positive magnetic snapsections, said first supplemental stem extending through a correspondingsupplemental stem hole in the first base plate and attached to thesecond side of the first base plate, and said first supplemental stemsubstantially axially aligned with a corresponding first cover platehole, whereby bringing the first snap face into contact with the secondsnap face so that any one of the negative sections is substantiallyaligned with the first supplemental stem creates a magnetic force whichreleasably connects said first snap face and said second snap face andhence the first and second surfaces attached to the first and secondattachment means, respectively.
 82. The adjustable magnetic snapfastener of claim 76, further comprising at least one secondsupplemental stem, said second supplemental stem being locatedequidistant between a pair of negative magnetic snap sections, saidsecond supplemental stem extending through a corresponding supplementalstem hole in the second base plate and attached to the second side ofthe second base plate, and said second supplemental stem substantiallyaxially aligned with a corresponding second cover plate hole, wherebybringing the first snap face into contact with the second snap face sothat any one of the positive sections is substantially aligned with thesecond supplemental stem creates a magnetic force which releasablyconnects said first snap face and said second snap face and hence thefirst and second surfaces attached to the first and second attachmentmeans, respectively.
 83. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim76, wherein the first stem of at least one of the plurality of positivesections has a first stem hole substantially in the center thereof andthe second stem of at least one of the plurality of negative sectionshas a second stem hole substantially in the center thereof.
 84. Anadjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasably connecting a firstsurface and a second surface, comprising: (a) a plurality of firstmagnetic snap sections, each first section having a first base washerdefining a first hole substantially in the center of the first basewasher; a first magnetic ring defining a second hole substantially inthe center of the first magnetic ring, the first magnetic ring having afirst charged side and a second, oppositely-charged side; a firstnon-magnetic cover plate having a first snap face adapted to beconnectible with a second magnetic snap section, the first cover platedefining a third hole substantially in the center of the first coverplate and having a first peripheral flange, the first cover plate beingmounted to the first base washer by the first peripheral flange wherebythe first magnetic ring is held between the first base washer and thefirst cover plate and is positioned so that the first charged side ofthe first magnetic ring attracts oppositely charged objects toward thefirst snap face and whereby the first, second, and third holes aresubstantially axially aligned; and a first stem extending through thefirst and second holes and ending within the third hole; (b) a secondmagnetic snap section having a second base washer defining a fourth holesubstantially in the center of the second base washer; a second magneticring defining a fifth hole substantially in the center of the secondmagnetic ring, the second magnetic ring having a first charged side anda second, oppositely-charged side, the first charged side of the secondmagnet having the same magnetic charge as the first charged side of thefirst magnet and the second charged side of the second magnet having thesame magnetic charge as the second charged side of the first magnet; asecond non-magnetic cover plate having a second snap face adapted to beconnectible with a first magnetic snap section, the second cover platedefining a sixth hole substantially in the center of the second coverplate and having a second peripheral flange, the second cover platebeing mounted to the second base washer by the second peripheral flangewhereby the second magnetic ring is held between the second base washerand the second cover plate and is positioned so that the second chargedside of the second magnetic ring attracts oppositely charged objectstoward the second snap face and whereby the fourth, fifth, and sixthholes are substantially axially aligned; and a second stem extendingthrough the fourth and fifth holes and ending within the sixth hole; (c)wherein at least one of the first magnetic snap sections has a firstattachment means connected to the first base washer of that firstsection by the first stem of that first section and adapted forattachment to the first surface, and the second magnetic snap sectionhas a second attachment means connected to the second base washer by thesecond stem and adapted for attachment to the second surface; (d)wherein at least one of the plurality of first magnetic snap sections isattached to the first surface, and the second magnetic snap section isattached to the second surface; and (e) whereby bringing the first snapface of one of the plurality of first magnetic snap sections intocontact with the second snap face of the second magnetic snap sectioncreates a magnetic force which releasably connects said one firstmagnetic snap section and said second magnetic snap section and hencethe first and second surfaces attached to the first and secondattachment means, respectively.
 85. The adjustable magnetic snapfastener of claim 84, further comprising a first base plate having afirst side and a second side, wherein the first peripheral flange ofeach first magnetic snap section is positioned adjacent to the firstside of the first base plate and each first attachment means isconnected to the second side of the first base plate.
 86. The adjustablemagnetic snap fastener of claim 85, wherein the first base plate definesa plurality of first plate holes whereby the first stem of each firstmagnetic snap section extends through a corresponding one of theplurality of first plate holes and the first, second, and third holes ofeach first magnetic snap section are substantially axially aligned withthe corresponding first plate hole.
 87. The adjustable magnetic snapfastener of claim 86, further comprising at least one supplemental stem,said supplemental stem being located equidistant between a pair of firstmagnetic snap sections, and said supplemental stem attached to thesecond side of the first base plate, whereby bringing said supplementalstem into contact with the second snap face of the second magnetic snapsection creates a magnetic force which releasably connects saidsupplemental stem and said second magnetic snap section and hence thefirst and second surfaces attached to the first and second attachmentmeans, respectively.
 88. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim87, wherein at least one of the stems of the plurality of first magneticsnap sections, the supplemental stem, and the second stem of the secondmagnetic snap section has a stem hole substantially in the centerthereof.
 89. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasablyconnecting a first surface and a second surface, comprising: (a) aplurality of first magnetic snap sections, each first section comprisinga first magnetic ring having a first charged side and a second,oppositely-charged side and defining a first hole substantially in thecenter of the first magnetic ring, and a first stem extending throughthe first hole; (b) a base plate having a first side and a second sideand defining a plurality of base plate holes, wherein the second chargedside of the magnetic ring of each first magnetic snap section engagesthe first side of the base plate and the first stem of each firstmagnetic snap section extends through one of the plurality of base plateholes; (c) a first non-magnetic cover plate having a first snap faceadapted to be connectible with a second, oppositely-charged magneticsnap section, the first cover plate defining a plurality of first coverplate holes and having a first peripheral flange, the first cover platebeing mounted to the base plate by the first peripheral flange wherebyeach of the first magnetic rings is held between the first base plateand the first cover plate and is positioned so that the first chargedside of the first magnetic ring attracts oppositely-charged objectstoward the first snap face and whereby the first hole and the first stemof each first magnetic snap section are substantially axially alignedwith a corresponding base plate hole and a corresponding first coverplate hole; (d) a second magnetic snap section comprising: a base washerdefining a second hole substantially in the center of the base washer; asecond magnetic ring defining a third hole substantially in the centerof the second magnetic ring, the second magnetic ring having a firstcharged side and a second, oppositely-charged side, the first chargedside of the second magnetic ring having the same magnetic charge as thefirst charged side of each of the first magnetic rings and the secondcharged side of the second magnetic ring having the same magnetic chargeas the second charged side of each of the first magnetic rings; a secondnon-magnetic cover plate having a second snap face adapted to beconnectible with a first magnetic snap section, the second cover platedefining a fourth hole substantially in the center of the second coverplate and having a second peripheral flange, the second cover platebeing mounted to the base washer by the second peripheral flange wherebythe second magnetic ring is held between the base washer and the secondcover plate and is positioned so that the second charged side of thesecond magnetic ring attracts oppositely charged objects toward thesecond snap face and whereby the second, third, and fourth holes aresubstantially axially aligned; and a second stem extending through thesecond and third holes and ending within the fourth hole; (e) wherein atleast one of the first magnetic snap sections has a first attachmentmeans connected to the base plate by the first stem of that firstsection and adapted for attachment to the first surface, and the secondmagnetic snap section has a second attachment means connected to thebase washer by the second stem and adapted for attachment to the secondsurface; (f) wherein the base plate is attached to the first surface byat least one first attachment means, and the base washer is attached tothe second surface by the second attachment means; and (g) wherebybringing the first snap face into contact with the second snap face sothat any one of the first magnetic sections is substantially alignedwith the second magnetic snap section creates a magnetic force whichreleasably connects said first snap face and said second snap face andhence the first and second surfaces attached to the first and secondattachment means, respectively.
 90. The adjustable magnetic snapfastener of claim 89, further comprising at least one supplemental stem,said supplemental stem being located equidistant between a pair of firstmagnetic snap sections, said supplemental stem attached to the secondside of the base plate, whereby bringing the first snap face intocontact with the second snap face so that the second magnetic snapsection is substantially aligned with the supplemental stem creates amagnetic force which releasably connects said first snap face and saidsecond snap face and hence the first and second surfaces attached to thefirst and second attachment means, respectively.
 91. The adjustablemagnetic snap fastener of claim 90, wherein at least one of the stems ofthe plurality of first magnetic snap sections, the supplemental stem,and the second stem of the second magnetic snap section has a stem holesubstantially in the center thereof.
 92. An adjustable magnetic snapfastener for releasably connecting a first surface and a second surface,comprising: a plurality of positive magnetic snap sections, at least oneof which comprises a first attachment means adapted for attachment tothe first surface, and a plurality of negative magnetic snap sections,at least one of which comprises a second attachment means adapted forattachment to the second surface, wherein any one of said positivemagnetic snap sections is connectible with any one of said negativemagnetic snap sections to attach the first and second surfaces.
 93. Theadjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 92, further comprising: afirst base plate having a first side and a second side, wherein eachpositive magnetic snap section is positioned adjacent to the first sideof the first base plate and each first attachment means is connected tothe second side of the first base plate, and a second base plate havinga first side and a second side, wherein each negative magnetic snapsection is positioned adjacent to the first side of the second baseplate and each second attachment means is connected to the second sideof the second base plate.
 94. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener ofclaim 93, wherein the first base plate defines a plurality of first baseplate holes and the second base plate defines a plurality of second baseplate holes, each positive magnetic snap section further comprising afirst stem extending through a corresponding one of the first base plateholes, and each negative magnetic snap section further comprising asecond stem extending through a corresponding one of the second baseplate holes.
 95. An adjustable magnetic snap fastener for releasablyconnecting a first surface and a second surface, comprising: a pluralityof charged magnetic snap sections, at least one of which comprises afirst attachment means adapted for attachment to the first surface, andan oppositely charged magnetic snap section comprising a secondattachment means adapted for attachment to the second surface, whereinany one of said charged magnetic snap sections is connectible with saidoppositely charged magnetic snap section to attach the first and secondsurfaces.
 96. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 95, furthercomprising a first base plate having a first side and a second side,wherein each of the plurality of charged magnetic snap sections ispositioned adjacent to the first side of the first base plate and eachfirst attachment means is connected to the second side of the first baseplate.
 97. The adjustable magnetic snap fastener of claim 96, whereinthe first base plate defines a plurality of first base plate holes, andeach of the plurality of charged magnetic snap sections furthercomprises a first stem extending through a corresponding one of thefirst base plate holes.